Air Quote by Jack Vance
“What is peace? Balance three iron skewers tip to tip, one upon the other; at the summit, emplace and egg, so that it too poises static in mid-air, and there you have the condition of peace in this world of men.”
About This Quote
Source Short Story: “The Peace of Men,” 1965, The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction
Peace is a fragile balance, like an egg perched on skewers, requiring precise equilibrium among forces.
In simple terms: Peace is delicate balance.
Key Takeaway
Maintain equilibrium, avoid disruption.
Themes
peace
balance
fragility
metaphor
Mood
contemplative
serene
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- conflict resolution
- team leadership
- personal stress management
- artistic composition
Key Concepts
equilibrium
tension
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you keep your “egg” steady?
- What forces threaten your peace?
A Different Perspective
Balance is often temporary; external forces can topple it.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
![“[A]s you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow.” quote by Dr. Seuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da8/dr-seuss-1224_advice_a-s-you-partake-of-the-world-s-bill-of-f_6806.jpg)